At some point in your future career, you are likely to ask yourself “Am I being paid enough?” In fact, many recent grads in Sacramento and else where find themselves wondering just that during their first job out of college.

It's natural to wonder, especially if you work for a large, successful organization or are the superstar in your department. Unfortunately, compensation grids are rarely flexible. Instead, they are designed so that entry-level employees start at a relatively low compensation and make their way up to higher pay over time.

Comparing Your Pay

Although systems like this are commonplace in many large organizations, it does not mean that you shouldn't question your salary, especially as an entry-level employee. One of the best ways to find out if you are fairly paid is to hit the Internet. Online research can easily reveal what people in your area are getting paid to do jobs similar to yours. If there is a great disparity in the numbers, it may be time to have a talk with your boss, and having the research will only strengthen your request for a raise or renegotiation.

Evaluating Your Worth

It's helpful to know how much people are being paid for comparable positions, but the real question you should be asking is how much you are worth to the company. Think about the business problems you provide solutions for, like pushing stalled projects to completion or making a process more efficient. These skills may not be represented in your job title, but they should be considered when negotiating your salary.

Finding work in a company that values your contributions and pays a fair wage can be difficult, especially if it is a first job. Luckily, FirstJob makes the process easier by connecting you with quality career opportunities at some of the best organizations in the world. If you are ready to shine, sign up to get started today!